Spotlight

2010 Grant Recipient: Dayspring Center


In 2010, Dayspring Center became a first time grant recipient. Yet, Dayspring is no stranger to helping homeless families. Founded in 1989 as an outreach of an Episcopal church, Dayspring now serves 150 families per year facing emergency shelter situations.

Cheryl Herzog, Development Coordinator at Dayspring, explains “At Dayspring Center, our staff works with the entire family addressing the issues that led to their homelessness, then develops a plan that will put them on a path to independence. In 45-60 days, most families are ready to exit the emergency shelter program and move into a place of their own. However, our work is not done. Overcoming a crisis, like homelessness, does not happen overnight. For the next 3 – 9 months, formerly homeless families continue to work toward their goals to become self-sufficient. And, Dayspring Center is with them every step of the way, providing vital resources and guidance through our Follow-up Case Management Program. The twenty plus years the doors have been open at Dayspring Center, there have been many successes - over 4,000 families, including 10,000 children have found their way “home” again. Dayspring is a nonprofit organization committed to combating and preventing family homelessness in central Indiana.” 

The Foundation Needs You!

If you’re looking for a hands-on way to get involved with the Foundation, you’re in luck. With expanded roles for Ambassadors and two upcoming volunteer days, there are many possibilities.

Foundation Board member Dan Bowden (pictured) coordinates the Foundation Ambassadors, who represent the Foundation in specific office locations around town, and there are many open spots. Contact Dan for more information at 317/844-4200.

In addition, two volunteer days have been scheduled for this year at the individual grant recipient sites – one on June 8 and the other TBD. This is the time to pull out your gardening gloves, your paint pants, and your eye for organizing—it makes a big difference to our grant recipients! Watch for information coming soon on the Foundation’s Web site at www.realtorfoundation.org.

Upcoming Events

Feed the Fight, April 21
Uno Chicago Grill
Join us for good eats that benefit the Foundation! Click here, print the flyer and help the Foundation raise money for the homeless.

Blue Breakfast – A Benefit for Coburn Place , April 21
7 – 9 a.m.
Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center
Tickets available online at www.coburnplace.org.

Volunteer Day, June 8
Save the date for the first volunteer day of the year on June 8, 2010. Details will be available soon on the Foundation Web site at www.realtorfoundation.org.

Foundation Golf Outing – July 22
Join us at Eagle Creek Golf Club for a day of food, fun and golf! Register by April 30 and be entered into a drawing for a free foursome! Sponsorship opportunities are still available as well. Learn more at www.realtorfoundation.org/golf.

Date Change: Foundation Awareness Week 
Foundation Awareness Week has been moved to September 20 – 25. Watch this publication for updates on fantastic events throughout the week!

Are you Running or Walking the Mini Marathon?
For the last two years, a grassroots effort has taken place among participants of the 500 Festival Mini Marathon to raise money for the REALTOR® Foundation. A small, but dedicated group of MIBOR members have used their mini experience to request pledges from family and friends for the Foundation. In 2009, they collectively raised more than $2,500. Of course the race is sold out, but we know many members have some of those coveted spots. Use it for good and help raise funds to help the homeless in central Indiana. To find out how, contact Foundation Board of Director member Jeri Ballantine at jball@mibor.net or 317/290-6890.

Partners

The National Bank of Indianapolis

The National Bank of Indianapolis is pleased to renew its annual support of the REALTOR® Foundation and its activities. During 2010, the Bank has already partnered with the Foundation as a sponsor of the Ball, and will contine at the Donor Recognition Luncheon and the Annual Grants Reception.
 
"We are honored to have this partnership with the REALTOR® Foundation because of our shared commitment to supporting our local community", said Ann Merkel, First Vice President and Manager of the Bank's Nonprofit Services division. "We believe that the Foundation's financial support of the people and organizations in our community who are committed to transitioning individuals from homelessness or inadequate, unsafe housing to permanent housing is critical in the fight against the serious problem of homelessness here in central Indiana. By partnering with the REALTOR® Foundation, The National Bank of Indianapolis is able to provide even greater financial support to our local community and to the fight against homelessness."

Thank you to the National Bank of Indianapolis for their continued support!